United Arab Emirates Aims for Immunization of 90% Females between 13-14 Against HPV by 2030
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has embarked on a bold mission to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health issue, aligning its national strategy with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Strategy for cervical cancer elimination. This comprehensive approach, set to be achieved by 2030, aims to significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates through the scaling up of HPV vaccination and screening programs [1][2].
At the heart of the UAE's strategy lies the human papillomavirus (HPV) as a major cause of cervical cancer. The strategy is rooted in prevention, early detection, and public education.
HPV Vaccination
The UAE aims to vaccinate 90% of girls against HPV before the age of 15 by 2030. This preventive measure will help in preventing persistent HPV infections that cause nearly all cervical cancers [1][2]. The UAE was the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean to include the HPV vaccine in its national immunisation programme for schoolgirls in 2018. In 2023, the HPV vaccine was also included in the national immunisation programme for boys in the UAE.
Screening and Early Detection
Routine cervical cancer screening is to start at age 25 in the UAE, and the screening age range for women is from 25 to 65 years old. Regular screening is recommended every three to five years for early detection and improved recovery outcomes. The goal is to increase cervical cancer screening coverage to detect precancerous lesions early for timely treatment.
Timely Treatment Access
Ensuring that 90% of women diagnosed with precancerous or invasive cervical cancer receive appropriate treatment is crucial to reducing mortality. World-class treatment options for cervical cancer are being provided in the UAE.
The Impact
Achieving these targets is expected to lead to a significant decline in cervical cancer cases and deaths in the UAE, contributing to global efforts to eliminate the disease. Enhanced screening programs and increased HPV vaccination uptake will reduce disease burden, improve early detection, and lower mortality rates [3][4].
The UAE's strategy is closely aligned with the "Year of Community" initiative, which emphasises health as a shared responsibility. The country's commitment to these global goals involves strengthening healthcare infrastructure, public awareness, and vaccination campaigns consistent with the WHO’s framework.
In conclusion, the UAE's national strategy mirrors the WHO Global Strategy's 2030 goals for HPV vaccination (90% coverage by age 15), cervical cancer screening (70% coverage), and adequate treatment (90% of cases), establishing a clear timeline and measurable impact towards eliminating cervical cancer through vaccination and screening efforts [1][2].
[1] World Health Organization. (2021). WHO Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020501
[2] Ministry of Health and Prevention (UAE). (2020). UAE Launches National Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer. Retrieved from https://mohap.gov.ae/en/media-centre/news/2020/02/uae-launches-national-strategy-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer
[3] Al-Mansoori, S., Al-Hosni, A., Al-Kaabi, A., Al-Kaabi, A., Al-Ansari, A., Al-Hajri, A., ... & Al-Hosani, M. (2019). Human papillomavirus vaccination in the United Arab Emirates: a systematic review. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 45(3), 331-338.
[4] Al-Kaabi, A., Al-Hosni, A., Al-Mansoori, S., Al-Ansari, A., Al-Hajri, A., Al-Kaabi, A., ... & Al-Hosani, M. (2020). Cervical cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates: a systematic review. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 46(1), 21-27.
- The UAE's national strategy for cervical cancer elimination includes a strong focus on mental health and wellness, as part of the "Year of Community" initiative, which emphasizes health as a shared responsibility within the community.
- With the aim to enhance public awareness, the UAE has integrated women's health, including topics like mental health and family planning, into its national education curriculum, ensuring future generations are adequately informed.
- To complement its comprehensive approach towards cervical cancer elimination, the UAE emphasizes the importance of scientific research and innovation in improving health outcomes, particularly in the areas of health-and-wellness, mental health, and women's health.
